Political Gospel

A Review

The author's argument is that Christianity is political and he demonstrates that premise with Scripture.  For Schreiner political is "the activities associated with the organization and governance of people." So for a Christian, politics is "how we integrate our confession that Jesus is Lord with our call to love our neighbor."

I believe that is an appropriate definition and application.  That being said I do not relate politics in the gospel as specifically as Schreiner.

Familiar biblical events- casting out Legions of demons, the temptations of Christ, the Trial of Christ, the Empire of Rome, the church, even the idea of 'gospel' - are cast in the light of this politic.  Schreiner offers some relevant insights, new to me, in this narration. His explanation of whether Caesar should receive taxes is well presented.

In this framework, a believer must submit and subvert. Submit to God as the Highest authority and subvert earthly authority by "existing as the kingdom of God amid the kingdom of man." We speak the truth and justice of God. This will create "a community so loyal to King Jesus that all other political allegiances pale in comparison."  The outcome is this.  "We are truly political when we speak more of God's reign and thereby put Caesar's reign in its proper place." 

As I began the book I presumed I would find many disagreements but Schreiner and I have much in common.  Most importantly, we hold that politics as usual has played too big a role in the church.  The church must "proclaim God's kingdom and the gospel of hope. . . Maybe that means we should stop watching so much cable news and get together with people from our congregations for meals, inviting others to do the same."

I recommend this book for anyone who wonders what role the church has in political affairs.